Chapter 3

Grandma’s confusion deepened, and she held onto me tightly, refusing to let go. “You wouldn’t dare! My granddaughter is the CEO’s chosen General Manager!”

Just then, the butler rushed in. “The police are here.”

Grandma gasped. “What do the police want?”

Brandon grew impatient. He forcibly pried Grandma’s fingers from my arm.

“She’s the one who caused trouble now.”

“The real Seraphina and her sister switched faces. Ugh, it’s complicated. Just get her out of here!”

Grandma shrieked, clutching me tight, refusing to release me.

She looked at my father, then at my bandaged face, and understood everything.

She screamed hysterically:

“Arthur Hayes, you heartless monster! Not only do you not care for your daughter, but you want your own flesh and blood to go to jail! I’d rather kill myself right here than let you commit such a heinous act!”

Then, she grabbed me again, sobbing uncontrollably:

“My good granddaughter, Grandma is useless. I let you suffer so much, but this opportunity you finally got, why should you give it to that walking disaster?”

“Did you forget what you promised Grandma?”

I was crying so hard I could barely breathe.

Yet, I hardened my heart and pulled my hand away, forcing a smile.

“Grandma, there are things in this world more important than positions of power or a clean record.”

“I’ve made my decision. I won’t regret it.”

With that, I cruelly pushed Grandma away and strode out.

Grandma tried to follow, but the house staff held her back.

She suddenly shrieked, “Granddaughter, if you dare to step out of this house, I will die right here in front of you!”

Seeing her in such agony, my heart twisted in agony.

I suppressed the bitter pain in my heart, walking forward without looking back. “If you die, you’ll no longer be Grandma Hayes.”

Grandma cried even harder. “I used to endure everything, afraid your grandfather would get angry, all for your safe upbringing. But now you’re going to jail for someone else, what more do I have to fear!”

I nodded. “Now that I’m going to jail, you don’t have to put up with it anymore. Move to the old house.”

“Cut ties with the Hayes family.”

Grandma collapsed onto the floor in despair. “My sweet girl, what foolishness have you gotten into?”

My father rushed over, threw a statement of disownment at Grandma, and hastily told the bodyguards to push me out.

I bit my lip, forcing myself not to look back, Grandma’s cries still echoing in my ears.

I kept reassuring myself that at least Grandma had cut ties with the Hayes family. She wouldn’t have to suffer any more grievances.

Brandon Pierce, afraid I might try something, drove his car behind the police escort heading to the detention center.

He slipped the guard a thick envelope, buying himself a few minutes to speak with me alone.

I sat in the chair, looking at him coldly. “What else do you have to say?”

Brandon checked his phone. “She should be here soon.”

I asked, bewildered, “Who’s coming?”

Just as I spoke, a person wearing a hat and a mask rushed in.

It was Tiffany.

Her eyes were red. As soon as she entered, she grabbed my hand. “Seraphina, you’re willing to take the fall for me. I’ll never be able to repay this kindness in my life. I promise to make it up to you.”

Brandon “caringly” helped her up. “Ugh, you just had your stitches removed. Why did you rush over?”

My already numb heart was pierced with sharp pain again.

“It’s all your fault, you hit him so hard.”

Tiffany leaned weakly into Brandon’s arms, looking frail.

Brandon stroked her back, his eyes still holding a hint of lingering intimacy, but he turned to me and explained:

“Don’t get the wrong idea. She has to pretend to be you now, which means she needs to be close to me. But you’re the one I truly care about.”

I forced a faint smile. “You two are certainly close.”